Olam says food, terrain key to frame
ALBURY Thunder centre Jackins Olam says Papua New Guinea’s topography and food is behind his powerful frame, as Group Nine Rugby League first-grade side enjoy a two-week break.
The centre is only 177cm, but weighs 94kg, as much as some taller forwards in the competition.
The older brother of Melbourne Storm centre Justin Olam, Jackins and the PNG international share almost identical physiques.
“I think it’s because of the geography, it’s quite mountainous,” Jackins said.
“We’re from a village, we grow our own food and domesticate our own animals, we don’t rely on food sold in stores, 90 per cent of the people back at home don’t have a job.”
Jenkins has quickly become a personality player at the club and while he hasn’t torn the competition apart, he has produced moments highlighting not only his power, but also his precision.
In a crucial game against fellow top-five contenders Wagga Kangaroos last month, he scored one try through brute strength, but also delivered clever passes for tries to Keanau Wighton.
“I’ve had a good time, playing with the boys here in Albury,” Jackins said.
He had trialled with Newtown in the New South Wales Cup, the National Rugby League’s (NRL) reserve grade, but the Coronavirus destroyed his hopes of making an impact.
Jackins is a crash-tackling, hard-running back and was quizzed if he would prefer to run over an opponent, rather than around, like so many of the powerfully-built Pacific Islanders.
“It depends on the situation, if I don’t have any options, then I’ve got to run straight,” the 30-year-old said.
Justin has built a reputation as one of the toughest centres in the NRL with his blockbusting runs and monster hits.
And he was at Albury Thunder’s last home game against Young last month.
“He said you are old (laughs), but you’re still going strong, you’re playing alright, I’ll probably play for another two or three years and then call it quits,” Jackins said.
– bordermail